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Subaru

Subaru BRZ revealed

Subaru BRZ

Details of the production-spec Subaru BRZ have now emerged. For now we only have two pics, but expect more will follow soon. Clearly the standard BRZ is a tamer version of the Concept STi and we wonder how long it will take for someone to make an aftermarket rear light treatment that matches the STi look.

As to be expected it’s a like for like machine under the skin when compared to the Toyota 86. Really it’s just a few cosmetic differences to the bodywork that set these Toybaru cars apart.

Although, it’s worth noting the BRZ is listed as weighing 1220kg. Based on the info we could find yesterday that’s 40kg heavier than the 86.

We’ll bring you more as it comes to hand.

[Thanks to Scott for the tip]

UPDATE 30 November: We asked Subaru Australia if the BRZ would be coming here. This us what they said, “There’s still no decision as to whether BRZ will go to Australia.” If you’d like to see the BRZ down under we suggest you contact Subaru and tell them all about it.

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Subaru

Subaru BRZ Concept STi photo gallery

Subaru BRZ Concept STi

Obviously the Toyota 86 has been gaining attention since its official release. So we thought it worth reminding you about the blue half of the Toybaru project. Here’s a small image gallery of the Subaru BRZ Concept STi, starting with some images from the floor of the LA Motor Show we managed to miss first time round.

Sure it’s the hero STi model, but on this viewing the BRZ has it over the 86 in the looks department.

It’s actually not too long until the BRZ will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show. We should be back inside 24 hours with more pics and info as it comes to hand.

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Caterham Formula 1 Lotus

Ricciardo to Caterham, Raikkonen to Lotus?

2011 Japanese Grand Prix

Now that the dust has settled on the 2011 F1 season we can start dealing in rumour and innuendo; Formula One excels in such matters after all. First cab off the rank, then, is the emerging rumour that young Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo will join Caterham after Jarno Trulli has been thanked for his services.

That would increase the chances of Sebastian Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari remaining at Toro Rosso. Or could French GP2 driver Jean-Eric Vergne leapfrog Ricciardo into a Toro Rosso seat? Like Ricciardo last year, Vergne impressed when given the chance to drive the lead Red Bull car at the recent young driver test sessions in Abu Dhabi.

“It’s a luxury problem, and I’m sure we’ll find a solution,” Helmut Marko told Adam Cooper.

When asked what he thought of his Toro Rosso drivers in season 2011 Marko didn’t exactly lavish them with high praise, “I would say they both improved from mid-season onwards, unfortunately Buemi had more technical issues. But still, we are not looking for a good F1 driver, we are looking for a top F1 driver.”

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F1 in pictures Ferrari Lotus McLaren Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing Renault

2011 Brazilian Grand Prix in pictures

2011 Brazilian GP

In our final F1 in pictures post for the year it’s great that we can reflect on another grand prix victory for Mark Webber. It’s scant reward in the wake of a dominant season from the other side of the Red Bull garage, but a win is a win and for most drivers they don’t come too easily.

As usual there’s some great pics for you after the break; a job touring the globe shooting F1 cars is one we’d rather like if we had the skills.

We trust you’ve enjoyed this series again in 2011 and we’ll be back with our F1 picture galleries in 2012. If there’s anything you’d like to see added future collections please let us know in the comments section below.

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Mercedes-Benz

Blackalicious

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Estate prototype

This rather messed up looking Mercedes-Benz Estate is the forerunner to what could be the greatest station wagon ever made. Previously an honour held by the awesome Audi RS2, with able support from the RS4 Estate, we reckon a C63 AMG Estate Black Series might just trump them both.

Expect the same fearsome 380kW normally-aspirated 6.3 litre V8 from the Coupé, wrapped up in Estate clothing, the height of Euro chic. Oh yes, consider us very, very excited.

No firm word yet on a predicted production date other than the wide target of 2013. Even if it was due to launch tomorrow that wouldn’t be soon enough.

[Source: WCF]

Categories
Toyota

Is the Toyota 86 really as good as a Cayman?

Toyota 86

Now that the Toyota 86 (we’re supposed to say eight-six apparently) has been revealed fans of the car will be more desperate to know what it is like to drive. Thanks to an early review from the seat of a pre-production 86 by UK mag Autocar we can bring you this taster:

“…the key facets of an 1180kg kerb weight, rear-wheel drive, ESP that can be fully turned off, quick steering and a limited-slip differential make it a riot in the twisty stuff.”

“…at its best, the driving experience is a match for the likes of a Porsche Cayman, and accolades don’t come much higher than that. That it can’t reach those heights across as broad a range of conditions as the German-built car shouldn’t detract from its overall success, because the fact that it can even get close is a minor miracle.”

That’s some high praise there, that Toyota and fans alike will be rapt to hear. There were some minor gripes over the car’s transmission and the test was carried out on ultra smooth roads, so a more precise understanding of the 86’s ride was unable to be gained. Follow the source link below for more.

[Source: Autocar]

Categories
Toyota

VIDEO: Toyota shows off its new GT 86

Toyota GT 86

Following the official release of pics and info, Toyota has published a new promo video of its 147kW/205Nm rear-wheel drive GT 86. Check it out after the break.

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Porsche

Worldwide premiere of RHD 991 Porsche 911

RHD 991 Porsche 911

Porsche has a long and proud history in Australia. Indeed, Australia’s first Porsche dealer, Norman Hamilton, encouraged and helped pay for Porsche to make the first ever right-hand drive model after coming to a handshake deal with Dr Ferdinand Porsche.

It’s fitting, then, that the worldwide debut of a right-hand drive 991 Porsche 911 took place in Melbourne at an invitation only event on the weekend held to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Porsche in Australia.

The car shown above, a 3.8 litre Carrera S, will remain in the country ahead of the first batch of new 911 deliveries expected in March 2012. Start saving, you only have until then to get your $230K together if you want to be one of the first to get your hands on a new 911.

While there’s no official press material as yet, we can thank AUSmotive reader Wayne for sending in these exclusive pics. Nice to see the Carrera GT is still in the country too.

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Categories
Formula 1 McLaren Red Bull Racing

2011 Brazilian GP: Post-race press conference

2011 Brazilian GP

Following news of Mark Webber’s win at the 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix early this morning we can now bring you the final post-race press conference for 2011.

Some minor housekeeping before we start. The one-two placing for Red Bull sees them finish the constructors’ championship on an even 650 points. They enjoy a massive margin back to McLaren (497), with Ferrari (375) and Mercedes (165) the only other teams to make triple figures.

For the drivers, Vettel ended his stellar 2011 with 390 points. Jenson Button (270) was the best of the rest, followed by Mark Webber (258), Frenando Alonso (257) and Lewis Hamilton (227).

Back to Brazil, Australia finished first and last, with young Daniel Ricciardo finishing in twentieth position. The only minor highlight, if at all, was that he did finish ahead of his HRT teammate following Liuzzi’s retirement on lap 62. You couldn’t say the West Australian has set the world alight in his six months in F1. Of course, he is trying to make do with the worst car on the grid and there have been some bright moments.

Let’s hope he’s done enough to secure a drive in 2012. Toro Rosso looms as his best bet, but who knows what the merry circus of Formula One will deliver between now and next March when racing resumes in Melbourne.

[Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Mark Webber wins 2011 Brazilian GP

2011 Brazilian GP

In a dominant season for Red Bull Racing Mark Webber has broken through for his first win of the year in the season’s final race. This is Webber’s second win in Brazil and is the first grand prix he was won more than once. His seventh career win marks the end of a long drought for Webber who hasn’t won a race since Hungary in August last year. As you can see above, it also marks the return of the Leaping Webber!

Both Red Bulls started from the front row and held their positions into the first corner; Vettel’s getaway was cleaner than Mark’s, who had to battle hard to stay in second place. The race settled into an early rhythm with Vettel establishing a comfortable three second lead over Webber.

The two Red Bulls were dominant and there was no genuine threat from behind. However, Vettel soon encountered gearbox issues and Webber was able to overtake for the lead on lap 29, where he stayed for the rest of the race. In the end, Webber enjoyed a 16.9 second margin back to his teammate.

Vettel had enough pace to protect second place, thanks in part to a squabble for third place behind him. Jenson Button finally came out on top in his fight with Alonso to grab the final podium position.

[Pics: Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Mark Webber wins a prize!

Mark Webber, 2011 DHL Fastest Lap Award winner

Despite watching his Red Bull Racing teammate Sebastian Vettel virtually win races at will this year, Mark Webber has finally won something. Sadly for him it’s not another Formula One race (fingers crossed for tonight in Brazil). With six fastest laps to his name, the 35-year-old Australian has had his name engraved on the DHL Fastest Lap Award trophy.

Mark set the quickest laps in Malaysia, China, Turkey, Monaco, Belgium and Abu Dhabi. Next best were Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel. Each with three fastest laps apiece.

Without a win to his name so far this year this must be a bitter sweet award for Mark. It’s also worth noting that Mark was quickest in three of the first four races, when he was, apparently, struggling most to cope with the new Pirelli tyres.

UPDATE 28 November: Make that seven fastest laps for the year to Mark, following his success in Brazil.

Categories
Toyota

Toyota GT 86 revealed

Toyota GT 86

Toyota is the first to break with official images and information for the Toybaru sports car. The production model is called the GT 86 and, like the concept model, the name pays respect to the AE86 Corolla.

Interestingly the press release from Toyota Australia refers the car as simply the “86”, saying that’s what the car will be referred to in Japan. It would seem, then, the Celica nameplate won’t be reborn down under; looks like we’ll be running with 86.

We’re told the GT 86 is lightweight, but oddly, no official weight has been specified just yet. Maybe they’re keeping that for the impending public reveal at the Tokyo Motor Show. [Ed: We’ve since discovered the standard kerbweight is 1180kg.] We can tell you the GT 86 has a 53:47 front–rear weight distribution.

Toyota has confirmed the engine spec of the 2.0 litre D-4S boxer engine will be 147kW/205Nm, which is just what we were expecting. Manual and automatic transmissions will be offered, both 6-speed. Of course, power is sent to the rear wheels only.

Thankfully, the more extreme elements of the styling shown in the concept car have been tamed for production spec. But, in doing so, has Toyota taken it a step too far? The ‘look at me’ lighting details have made way for a ‘yes, I think you’ve seen me before’ treatment.

Overall, though, the GT 86 is a welcome addition to the Toyota lineup. The next question now is, will the reality match the hype?

Press information from Australia and the UK, along with a photo gallery for you after the break.

UPDATE 28 November: Toyota Australia has confirmed with AUSmotive the car will be marketed locally as the 86. Further detail on price and specification will be available closer to the Australian launch in mid-2012.

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